Locker Locking Systems: Cam, Coin, Digital and Smart Compared

Locker locks determine security, administrative workload, and long-term operational costs. While the locker body provides structure, the locking system controls access and ongoing management burden.

This guide compares cam locks, coin-operated locks, digital combination locks and smart locker systems. It evaluates admin burden, lost key modelling, coin return economics and smart lifecycle costs.

If you require a broader overview of locker types and materials, see our complete lockers guide.

Why Locker Locks Matter

Locker locks directly affect:

• Security level
• Administrative time
• User satisfaction
• Replacement part cost
• Long-term maintenance cycles

Choosing the wrong system often creates hidden operational costs that exceed initial purchase savings.

Cam Locks

Cam locks are the most common mechanical locker lock in the UK. They operate using a simple key mechanism with a rotating cam that secures the door behind the frame.

Advantages

• Low upfront cost
• Simple installation
• Easy replacement
• Wide availability of spare parts

Admin Burden

Cam locks require key management. In schools and workplaces, lost keys are frequent. Facilities teams must manage spare keys, master systems and replacement procedures.

Lost Key Cost Modelling

Consider a school with 500 lockers. If 10% of keys are lost annually and replacement costs £8–£15 per key including administration time, annual loss may exceed £400–£750.

Over 10 years, this becomes a significant operational cost.

Replacement keys and cylinders are available via our locker key replacement service.

Coin-Operated Locker Locks

Coin locks are widely used in leisure facilities and gyms. They operate on either a coin return or coin retain basis.

Coin Return Systems

Users insert a coin which is returned when the locker is reopened. This encourages temporary use without revenue generation.

Coin Retain Systems

The coin is retained by the facility. This generates small revenue per use and can offset maintenance cost.

Economic Considerations

Coin retain systems can partially offset maintenance expenditure in high-traffic environments. However, coin handling requires periodic collection and reconciliation.

Admin Burden

Coin locks reduce lost key issues but introduce coin collection workload. They are best suited to short-term public use environments.

Digital Combination Locks

Digital locks remove physical keys. Users enter a code to lock and unlock the locker.

Advantages

• No physical key management
• Reduced lost key cost
• Suitable for shared environments
• Improved user convenience

Admin Burden

Digital locks require battery replacement and occasional resets. However, this burden is predictable and manageable.

10-Year Cost Modelling

Although initial cost is higher than cam locks, digital systems eliminate annual key replacement expenditure. Over 10 years, cost differences may narrow significantly in high-loss environments.

Smart Locker Systems

Smart locker systems integrate electronic access control, RFID cards or mobile apps. They are increasingly used in hybrid workplaces and universities.

Lifecycle Cost Considerations

Smart systems involve higher upfront investment. However, they offer advanced functionality including usage tracking, temporary allocation and integration with access control systems.

Lifecycle cost should consider software licensing, battery replacement, servicing and potential IT integration support.

Admin Burden

Smart systems reduce lost key issues entirely. However, they introduce system administration requirements. For hybrid offices, they significantly improve allocation efficiency.

Comparison Table: Locker Locks

Lock Type	Initial Cost	Admin Burden	Lost Key Risk	Best Environment
Cam Lock	Low	Moderate–High	High	Schools, assigned staff lockers
Coin Return	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Leisure facilities
Coin Retain	Moderate	Moderate (with collection)	Low	High-traffic gyms
Digital Lock	High	Low–Moderate	None	Shared offices, sixth forms
Smart Lock	Very High	Moderate (system-based)	No